MP pleased at Government 'Hot Water' Response - 28th Mar, 2007

Sian James has said the answer to a Parliamentary Question she asked on temperature control regulations in new home builds is encouraging.

Sian James asked the Minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government what action is being taken to introduce temperature control regulations in new builds.

This following letters received by Mrs James from concerned constituents in Swansea East about the scalding of people in homes.

Mrs James MP has previously joined Actress Amanda Redman as part of ‘Hot Water Burns Like Fire’ campaign to raise awareness of the issue and supported the Ten Minute Rule Bill of Mary Creagh MP.

Ms Creagh's Bill entitled ‘Prevention of Scalding Injuries (Bathing in the Home) called for a change in the law so that thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) are fitted in all new and refurbished homes. The valves set bath tap water temperature to a maximum of 48°C. This would allow everyone to have a hot bath whilst minimising the risk of scalding.

Sian James MP, said:

“Last year I joined Mary Creagh MP and Amanda Redman to wholeheartedly support the Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign. A number of people have written to me recently asking what further action I am taking on this issue. I asked a Parliamentary Question in order to find out what the UK Government is doing in this area and wrote to the Secretary of State. I welcome the Minister's response through her Parliamentary Answer.

"A change in the law will mean that everyone can still have a hot bath and over 400 children each year will avoid scadlings."

Angela Smith MP, Minister for Local Communities and Government responded to Mrs James' Question and said:

"All aspects of hot water safety, including temperature control, will be considered in the next review of part G of the Building Regulations.

"We are currently undertaking a review of the building control system as a whole which will include our future approach to the review of the regulations. I expect to make a preliminary announcement on this within the next few weeks and to issue a consultation paper later in the year. It is not therefore possible at this point to say when the next review of part G will take place but I am clear that once we have agreed a way forward it should be a priority.

"In the meantime my officials have been working with industry to provide plumbers and housing managers with information on the hazards presented by certain types of water heating systems and guidance on how to minimise these. We will continue to do this to ensure that the issues are understood and acted upon as widely as possible."